Dewain Barker
Dewain Barker is currently the Lead Founder, Board Chairman, and CEO for K12 Blended Learning Solutions. He also served as the Lead Founder for the GPA Project; the Lead Founder for the project’s test school, Grace Preparatory Academy, in Arlington, Texas; the Lead Founder for the National Association of University-Model® Schools (now called University-Model® Schools International); and the Lead Founder for UME Preparatory Academy – a top-rated charter school now with three campuses in Texas. He also served in various board and administrative roles within each of the organizations he founded alongside an incredible team of other parents and educators.
Dewain Barker has a B.A. Degree in Sociology from Texas Tech University and has studied Marriage and Family Counseling at Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary. He and his wife, Jan, have been married for over 40 years, and they love spending time with their grandchildren. Dewain and Jan also enjoy exploring the outdoors, and both are passionate about the importance of parental involvement in education.
Jill Jones
Jill Jones currently serves as the Board Secretary for K12 Blended Learning Solutions. She also helped launch the GPA Project’s test school, Grace Preparatory Academy in Arlington, Texas, where she served as a teacher, testing coordinator, and the school’s first elementary principal. She also served as an advisor during the formative years of the National Association of University-Model® Schools (now known as University-Model Schools International) and was a founder and board member of UME Preparatory Academy – a top-rated charter school now with three campuses in Texas.
Jill Jones graduated magna cum laud with a B.S. Degree in Interdisciplinary Studies from Stephen F. Austin University. She also has a Master of Education Degree with an emphasis in Reading from Stephen F. Austin University and has her Teacher Certification in Texas. Jill and her husband, Bobby, have been married for more than 30 years and have recently become grandparents. Jill loves reading, beekeeping, and creating handmade gifts.
Regina Pingel
Regina Pingel is currently the Board Treasurer for K12 Blended Learning Solutions. She also helped launch the GPA Project’s test school, Grace Preparatory Academy in Arlington, Texas, where she served as the school’s first Office Manager and created a welcoming parent/teacher environment. She also served as an advisor during the formative years of the National Association of University-Model® Schools (now known as University-Model® Schools International) and was a founder and board member for UME Preparatory Academy – a top-rated charter school now with three campuses in Texas.
Regina Pingel has a BBA degree in Accounting from Sam Houston State University and currently works as the Business Manager for a local law firm. Regina and her husband, John, have been married for more than 25 years. They have 4 children and 3 grandchildren. They love spending time with their children and grandchildren, and they love traveling to the mountains any chance they get.
Dr. Brance Barker
Dr. Brance Barker was part of the original student body when the GPA Project’s test school, Grace Preparatory Academy, was first launched in Arlington, Texas. Following his high school graduation, he attended Dallas Baptist University where he earned a B.A. Degree in Psychology, an MBA in Business Administration, and his Ed.D. in Education. His doctoral dissertation was focused on parental involvement. It was titled, “Exploring Structural and Psychological Barriers: Teachers’ and Parents’ Perceptions of Parent Involvement Practices in University-Model® Schools at the Middle School and High School Levels.”
Dr. Barker served as a founder and key administrator for UME Preparatory Academy, a top-rated charter school with three campuses in Texas. He is also certified in Texas as a School Principal and Superintendent. He has worked as a Charter School Consultant for Dynamic Support Solutions which included roles as CFO, COO, and Superintendent. Brance currently serves as the Pastor of Discipleship and Administration at First Baptist Church in Duncanville, Texas. He and his wife, Michelle, have been married for over 20 years and have five children. He enjoys spending time with his family as they explore, hike, and go on new adventures. He also enjoys reading and obstacle course racing with friends.
Katharine Howey
Katharine Howey is currently a board member for K12 Blended Learning Solutions. She and her whole family have had a storied involvement in the success of all the organizations involved in College-Simulated Learning’s history. She first served as the Student Records Coordinator at Grace Preparatory Academy in Arlington, Texas, where she was the most loved member of the school staff. She and her late husband, Walter Howey, would eventually serve as key founders for UME Preparatory Academy, which is now a top-rated charter school with three campuses in Texas – all of which are tuition-free. Walter Howey was the board chairman who led the founding team through the charter school process that the Texas State Board of Education unanimously approved.
In addition to serving on the Board for K12 Blended Learning Solutions, Katharine also serves as the Graduate Admissions File Coordinator at Dallas Baptist University. Katharine has three children and three grandchildren. She enjoys playing the piano, crossword puzzles, and is actively involved with her church. She also loves reading, especially the Bible. Her prayer every day is to encourage and make a difference in others’ lives.